Sunday, February 26, 2012

Because of the key, he embraced Islam #1

When I read surah An-Nisa: verse 58, I remembered a very beautiful and touching story related to the key of Kaabah on the Day of "Fath" (Opening/victory) of Makkah. The day when the Messenger of Allah entered Mecca (House of Allah) with calmness and tranquility, gallantly and victoriously. This verse tells the story of one of the several events in the Qur'an which is related to the story of how Allah reprimand His messenger, Rasulullah (peace be upon him). Indeed, every chapter and verse in the Qur'an has a great reminder for those who think.

Before the conquest of Mecca, the keys of the Kaaba (house of Allah) were in the custody of Uthman Ibn Talha, the leader of Bani Syaibah*. After Prophet Muhammad and his companions successfully reclaim and gained control over the Mecca in the 8th year of Hijra, the messenger wanted to enter the kaaba, but found it (its door) locked.

Uthman ibn Talhah (who was not a muslim at that time) did not believe that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah and he locked the door so that Muhammad (peace be upon him) would not enter the Kaaba. The Prophet then ordered Ali Ibn Abi talib to take the key from Uthman, but Uthman denied him. Ali then snatched the key from him (Uthman), and opened the door. The prophet entered the Kaaba and destroyed all the idols that were inside.

After that, Jibril (the Angel) came down to the prophet with this verse:

Allah subhana wa taala is commandingprophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to return the key to Uthman Ibn Talhah. Just Imagine, a few minutes ago, the key was in the prophet's hand. During that time also, Ibn Abbas (Muhammad's uncle) requested that these keys be kept in the family (Means: Uthman ibn Talhah has no right to keep the key!)

But:

"O, Muhammad, give the key back to Uthman "

Thats the order/revelation given by Allah upon Rasulullah (peace be upon him). Instead of giving the key to his uncle, Rasulullah (peace be upon him) returned it to Uthman Ibn Talhah. Allahuakbar! -.-' How beautiful the teachings of Allah towards his messenger......

I could see and feel how excellent the teaching of Allah towards his beloved messenger. This verse tells me of how Allah reprimand the prophet to render trust (Amanah) to whom it belong to. Some point to remember is that, keeping the keys of the Holy Kaaba was a great honor and every one among the companions of the prophet was very eager and hopeful that He (Muhammad) would entrust the keys to him.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ordered Ali to give the key back to Uthman and said to Uthman that no one would ever remove the keys from his possession after that day. Ali ibn Talib also excuse himself for the manner in which he has snatched the key.

The return of the keys of Kaaba surprised Uthman very much, since the Prophet is the conqueror of Mecca at that time, he could keep these keys for good. Uthman ibn Talha was highly amazed by the character of the Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him).

He (Uthman) immediately said:

"I bear witness that indeed Allah is one

and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is none other than messenger of Allah "

Allahu rabbi (Allah is my lord)...just imagine, He (Uthman) accepted Islam as his religion, recognized Muhammad (peace be upon him) as Allah's messenger and believe that Allah is one immediately after that event.

Today, the family of this great sahabi (the companions of the prophet) is protected by police and they are protected by the government. Such a powerful revelation from the Qur'an. It's already 1400 years....Amiracle up until today. The keys is still in the hands of the same family members.

p/s:I'm amazed & inspired by this video.Tears falling down (in my heart) when I heard Mufti Ismail Menk explained the story behind this verse. May Allah bless Syeikh Ismail Menk and grant him jannah. Amen!

p/s:Let us not forget to reflect on this story when we read verse 58 of surah An'Nisa. I'm planning to share another beautiful story on how Allah reprimand his messenger. May Allah make it easier for me.